Maryland Islamic Center, located in Ellicott City, has launched an exploratory venture of developing a Muslim Business Community and Social Hub. Recent growth of its school and other programs, not to mention the Muslim community in general, has revealed that the time is ripe to move forward with an inclusive plan that will meet the social, business, spiritual and educational needs of the community.
Still in the planning stage, Maryum Center's members have formed a task force to spread the word regionally and to search for affordable buildings and sites where the cooperative hub can begin.
Beyond just a mosque and a school, the concept of this cooperative was generated with the idea that one large space would meet a multitude of needs for the local community including halal shops, sister's beauty salons, separate private gyms for sisters and brothers, a clinic, medical and business offices, as well as a play area for children while moms and dads shop or exercise.
Established businesses in an expansion mode, as well as weekend kiosks are envisioned with a'sook' type environment that would invite and welcome the non-Muslim community as well. Imagine starting ones day at the cooperative in the gym, followed by breakfast or lunch at one of the several eateries offering mouth-watering American, middle east or African cuisine, and completing the trip by shopping at several of the halal shops and specialty shops to purchase meat, spices, or a variety of sweets and treats freshly made on site.
An immediate major project is the development of a central Muslim business directory to attract and invite Muslim businesses to join this cooperative.The cooperative would create a shared commerce, social, worship and educational space that would support individual, family and community efforts.
If this sounds interesting to you, Maryum Islamic Center invites interested 'home' business owners, established business owners/aspirants, inquiring community members and families to become involved in this cooperative venture.
MIC welcomes feedback regarding business/service needs, interested parties, questions or ideas to help shape and grow the Cooperative Community Hub/Business Center.
To get involved or find out more about this cooperative, please email Maryum Islamic Center at:
cooperative@maryumcenter.com
Source: Maryum Center
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